Jerry J. Battista, Sr

Jerry J. Battista, Sr., born December 6, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, died September 30, 2026, in Independence, Ohio, at age 74. His early childhood was spent in both Wintersville and Adena both located in South East, Ohio. Jerry began working early pruning fruit trees when he was ____ and also working at Irene's Restaurant, owned by his parents, waiting tables. Jerry was a man who built the —not just with his hands, but with purpose and care. Whether restoring the 1830s farmhouse where he and his wife Jo Ann lived for over 35 years, board by board, crafting wood projects in his shop, or solving mechanical puzzles that stumped others, Jerry approached every challenge with the same steady determination that had carried him through life. Jerry served aboard the USS Saratoga during Vietnam, working in machinery repair—the kind of skilled, essential work that kept a ship running and her crew safe. That same precision and reliability defined his life long after his service ended. He was a man who knew how to fix things, to see potential in what others might overlook, and to transform vision into reality through honest work and genuine craftsmanship. Jerry was employed by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 00000 - 00000. Even though retired Jerry still set his alarm for 4:30 a.m. to get an early start to the day. Taking a morning walk to check on what was going on in the neighorhood was one of his favorite things. Upon returning home Jerry would read the Plain Dealer to see what was going on in the world. He loved reading the comics. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Battista (nee Zbin/Schaefer), who he married 1993 and kept his promise to love and cherish her until "death do us part." Jerry and Jo Ann had a wonderful life traveling the world, taking road trips in the "little car", summer trips in Maine to crew on a schooner, and cruising on their boat Peg O; y Heart docked in the North East Yacht Club. children Brenda Marie Battista, Jerry Joseph Battista, Jr. (Rachel), Sarah Elizabeth Ratzel (Scott), Edward Joseph Schaefer, Jr., and Emily Angela Conforto (Vince), and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by step daughterhis Nora Jane Gilbert (Peter). Jerry is also survived by his siblings Glenna Cozart, Lawrence Battista, Marie Matusik (Robert), and Thomas Battista. Jerry's parents were Lawrence Battista and Naomi Irene Battisa (nee Hill). Jerry's legacy lives on in the restored farmhouse that stands as a testament to his vision and skill, in the woodwork he created, and in the family that gathered around him. He was a man who knew how to endure, how to build, and how to keep things running. That is how he will be remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Coleman's Catholic Church on ___________. Thereafter, burial will take place at the National Cemetery located it Rittman, OH. Donations to Malachi House would be appreciated